 |
| Bo Bichette drove in all three runs for the Blue Jays in a 7-3 loss to the Twins |
After dropping yesterday's game in extra innings, the Blue Jays were looking to take the lead in the series. Mitch White was recalled from the AAA-ball to make his Blue Jays debut. Trent Thornton was optioned to AAA-ball. George Springer was placed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to August 5, with right elbow inflammation. Infielder Joel Otto was recalled to take his spot on the roster. Danny Jansen was behind the plate, Cavan Biggio was at 2B and Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Could the Blue Jays take the lead in the series and set up a rubber match for the season series win? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Twins opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd on a ground out by Byron Buxton that scored Sandy Leon
- A batter later, Jorege Polanco singled scoring Luis Arraez
- The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 4th as Bo Bichette smacked a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Teoscar Hernandez
- Dylan Bundy pitching line: 4IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 6K 65 pitches (45 for strikes)
- The Twins retook the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Polanco doubled scoring Arraez
- Mitch White pitching line: 4.2P 6H 3R (all earned) 1BB 2K 85 pitches (55 for strikes)
- The Twins added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Jose Miranda hammered a solo bomb to dead center
- Three batters later, Nick Gordon scored on a sac bunt by Leon. Tim Mayza dislocating his right (nonthrowing) shoulder on the play
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th as Bichette singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- The Twins added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Jack Cave tripled home Gordon
- Two batters later, Arraez single scoring Cave
- Final score: Twins 7 Blue Jays 3
My Take:
- Mitch White battled through 5.2 innings, giving up three earned runs on six hits while walking one and striking out two. White dealt with base runners in every inning, but was able to limit the damage. He left in line for a no-decision, but unfortunately Tim Mayza allowed his last base runner to score on a double. White could have been more efficient with his pitches, but at least now Pete Walker will know what needs to be worked on for next game.
- It was a rough night for the bullpen, who gave up 4 runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3 over the final 3.1 innings. Nobody had a worse night than Tim Mayza, who battled back from Tommy John and elbow flexor tendon surgery that would wipe out his 2020 season. Tonight, Mayza dislocated his right (thank god he's not a righty) shoulder diving to try and make a play on a sac bunt in the 6th. To that play, it had not been a stellar outing for Mayza. He gave up a pair of runs on 3 hits and a third run was scored on him in the 5th inning, but the run was charged to Mitch White. No question Mayza will miss some time. Had it been his throwing shoulder, his season might have been done
- Offensively, there were a couple of bright spots of note. Bo Bichette drove in all three runs and scored one of those runs himself on a 2-run HR in the 4th inning. Vlad extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a single in the 1st inning. He was the only other Blue Jay with multiple hits. Teo reached base three times, drawing 2 walks and one hit.
- The Blue Jays were a dismal 2-13 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the two game skid and earn a split in this series. Kevin Gausman starts against Twins righty Chris Archer
